It is up to the citizens of Serbia to stand up against autocracy and fight for social justice. The authentic student response serves as a key incentive for Serbian citizens to engage in transforming the country into a rule-of-law society
If we were to describe Serbia in one sentence, it would be: “A revolution in motion”. Horrified by the tragedy that left 15 people dead due to the collapse of the concrete canopy of Novi Sad’s main railway station, for which the culprits have yet to be identified, students have inspired citizens from all walks of life to demand decency, institutions that fulfil their potential, and empathy. We discussed what makes the massive demonstrations across the country so unique with Ivanka Popović, a former rector of the University of Belgrade, current vice-president of the European University Association (EUA) and one of the leaders of the ProGlas movement, a major citizen movement for a democratic Serbia.
What makes students a decisive force in democratic changes in Serbia, both in 1996 and today?
— Within any society, including ours, students are the most sensitive to injustice and apathy. They have been witnessing both throughout most of their lives. An instant response was triggered by the authorities’ initial denial regarding the tragedy in Novi Sad, stating that there was no reconstruction of the canopy at the train station in Novi Sad, and the fact that recognised members of the ruling party attacked students of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade during their peaceful commemorative service for the victims of the tragedy.
This response was immediately recognised as legitimate and necessary by other university students in Serbia. Their reaction was more than just a response to injustice. It became obvious to them that their own safety, in every sense of the word, as well as the safety of their loved ones, is at risk in Serbia. They also recognised that this condition is the result of institutions being denied their constitutional right to be independent and that they are in the exclusive service of the ruling party.
This painful realisation drove them to action. This authentic response of the students represents a key incentive for Serbian citizens to become more engaged in transforming our country into a society that abides by the rule of law.
Do you see it as a movement of young people striving to live in a country with normal values, or also as a movement of future professionals—a voice that was notably absent from the scene?
— I think both aspects are relevant. Normal values and rule of law are a prerequisite for every aspect of our life, including the professional one. Young people have for years been witnessing the disregard of knowledge in favour of party loyalty and corruption.
I truly believe that there is no part of Serbian society that has been spared by the ruling party over previous years
This approach has now literally led to a downfall, with the tragedy in Novi Sad being an extreme case. These circumstances provide a very uncertain future for us all. I believe that young people in our country, and not only students, are willing to fight for a better future. Our youth have been lulled into the belief that they cannot make a difference in society. They have now found their voice and are dedicated to their cause. They will hopefully be open to working together with others to achieve their goals.
What might this movement, which is largely supported by professors and heads of faculties and universities, mean in terms of strengthening the position of educators in Serbia, who have been undervalued for decades?
— Our students are a source of inspiration for many, and they expect and require the support of their teachers. However, the students alone cannot bring about change. University professors represent only a small part of the educational profession that has been neglected and degraded for many years.
Educators, together with other professionals facing similar challenges, have the opportunity to join the students. In other words, the time has come for citizens to make their voice heard and to actively engage in re-introducing the rule of law to Serbia.
As one of the founders of ProGlas, which has initiated a number of rallies across Serbia, which groups do you identify as being missing from the debate and protests? More professional associations, unions, students’ parents and grandparents?
— I truly believe that there is no part of Serbian society that has been spared by the ruling party in the previous years. We have witnessed the transformation of a government for the people to a people serving the interests of the government.
The EU’s transactional relationship with Serbia prioritises stability, with growing concerns about democracy and the rule of law in the country
That’s why ProGlas and its members have launched new rounds of discussions and events, engaging with citizens all across Serbia in the hope that people from all walks of life will overcome their fears and actively engage in societal change by any legal means available to them.
Your recent lecture highlighted the ineptitude of EU institutions in addressing the situation and the collusion of member states with increasingly autocratic leaders in our region. Is this still the case today? Does the European University Association, of which you are a vice president, have the space to react?
— It would seem that the European Union has chosen a transactional relationship with Serbia that maintains the illusion of stability in the region as Europe faces other challenges.
This support of stabilocracy has serious drawbacks and we are just starting to hear European concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Serbia. On the other hand, the EU probably does not yet see an alternative partner to the ruling party in Serbia, so we are still a long way from applying any serious pressure to the Serbian government to implement true change.
It is up to the citizens of Serbia to stand up against autocracy and fight for social justice. As far as the European University Association is concerned, it is an academic organisation that engages in policies and not politics.